Michigan county well guide

Well Water in Sanilac County, MI: Testing, Contractors and Rules

About 8,933 households in Sanilac County, 54% of the county, rely on a private well. Nobody tests that water unless the owner does.

Labs within 40 milesLicensed contractors
54%of households on a private well
Share on wells, county vs state
Sanilac County54%
Michigan average26%
3licensed contractors serve the county
40+ mito a certified lab; mail-in kits recommended
Nostatewide test required when a home is sold

In Sanilac County, roughly 54% of households, about 8,933 homes, draw their water from a private well. Nobody tests it, treats it or inspects it unless the owner does.

Local rules for wells in Sanilac County

In Sanilac County the local health department issues the well permit, inspects construction and requires a water sample before a new well goes into service, as Michigan’s well code requires. Ask the same office whether the county runs a time-of-sale evaluation program, since several Michigan counties do.

At a glance

Water test for a new wellRequired

Michigan requires new wells to be tested at installation under the well construction code (Part 127 of the Public Health Code). Local health departments issue the permit and require the sample.

Water test when a home is soldNot required statewide

No statewide requirement, but several counties run time-of-sale or point-of-sale well and septic evaluation programs. Check the county page.

What the state recommends

EGLE recommends testing for coliform bacteria, nitrate and nitrite, fluoride, chloride, sulfate, sodium, hardness, and metals including arsenic, lead, iron, manganese, copper, uranium and others. Bacteria and nitrate yearly; a full chemistry panel every few years or when water changes.

Free or low-cost testingAvailable

Eight county health departments run their own onsite labs (Washtenaw, Oakland, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Luce, Mackinac, Alger, Schoolcraft). Residents elsewhere can order a mail-in test through the EGLE Drinking Water Laboratory.

Getting your water tested near Sanilac County

Sanilac County has no certified lab within 40 miles, so most owners here test by mail. Order bottles from a certified lab, sample from the cold tap before any treatment, and ship the same day with an ice pack.

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Licensed well contractors serving Sanilac County

Licensed help in Sanilac County includes D Gordon & Son Well Drilling, Inc. and J Cambridge, LLC and 1 other. Every listing was matched to the Michigan license list; the “verify” link on each profile opens the state lookup.

Well depth and water chemistry

Well depth and water chemistry in Sanilac County follow the rock underneath it. Depth varies across the county; the state well record search shows logs for nearby wells.

Typical well depth

Varies by location. Check the state well record search for logs of nearby wells.

Contaminants to test for
  • Arsenic (southeast and thumb region)
  • Nitrate (agricultural areas)
  • Iron
  • Manganese
  • Hardness
  • Coliform bacteria
  • PFAS near known sites

Neighboring counties: Lapeer County, St. Clair County, Tuscola County, Huron County.

What well work costs in Sanilac County

Bacteria test (coliform and E. coli)$23 to $25published Michigan lab fees
Nitrate test$25 to $41published Michigan lab fees
Broad panel (metals and minerals)$79published Michigan lab fees
Well inspection$250 to $550$350 to $900 with water testing
Submersible pump replacement$1,000 to $2,500installed; deep wells cost more
Pressure tank replacement$800 to $1,500installed
One treatment unit$700 to $3,500softener, iron filter or UV, installed
Multi-stage whole-house treatment$2,500 to $10,000+several units or whole-house RO, installed
New well, complete$6,000 to $16,000typical 200 ft well with pump; drilling alone about $20 to $30 per foot; deeper wells cost more
Shock chlorination$80 to $200by a contractor; under $30 to do yourself

EGLE state lab from October 1, 2026 ($23 bacteria, $41 nitrate and nitrite, partial chemistry $66 plus $13 prep) and district health department labs ($25 each). Installed costs are national 2026 ranges; local quotes vary with depth, access and materials. Sources, checked September 2026: EGLE fee schedule effective 10/1/2026, Central Michigan District Health Department lab, HomeGuide cost guides, Angi: cost to shock a well.

Questions Sanilac County well owners ask

How many homes in Sanilac County are on a well?

About 8,933, or 54% of households, based on Census housing data and state well surveys. The share is highest outside the towns with public water.

Where is the closest certified lab to Sanilac County?

There is no certified lab within 40 miles. Use a mail-in kit from a Michigan certified lab, or the county health department if it collects samples.

Do I need a permit to drill a well in Sanilac County?

Yes. The local health department issues the permit and inspects the well under the Michigan well construction code.

What does a well test cost near Sanilac County?

A bacteria and nitrate test runs $25 to $75 at most certified labs; a full panel with metals is $150 to $400. Mail-in kits cost about the same as walking in.